PM20-R68M Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM20-R68M is a 680 nH unshielded molded inductor manufactured by Bourns Inc., rated for 450 mA with a maximum DC resistance of 600mOhm. This surface mount component in 1210 (3225 Metric) package operates across -55°C to 125°C. The part is currently obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications requiring 680 nH inductance in the 1210 form factor with comparable electrical performance.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Inductance	680 nH
Current Rating	450 mA
DC Resistance (DCR)	600mOhm Max
Package / Case	1210 (3225 Metric)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Shielding	Unshielded
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 125°C
Inductance Tolerance	±20%

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PM20-R68M is determined by the following critical parameters:

Inductance Value: Must be 680 nH
Package / Case: Must be 1210 (3225 Metric) surface mount
Current Rating: Must support minimum 450 mA
DC Resistance: Must not exceed 600mOhm
Shielding: Unshielded configuration
Frequency Test Point: 25.2 MHz nominal

Substitute parts meeting these electrical and mechanical specifications are functionally equivalent for circuit applications requiring the PM20-R68M. Variations in core material (Ferrite, Iron, Iron Powder), inductor type (Molded, Drum Core Wirewound), and tolerance grades (±10%, ±20%) do not preclude substitution when primary electrical parameters remain within specification.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Inductance	Current Rating (mA)	DCR (mOhm Max)	Tolerance	Core Material	Type	Temp Range	Product Status	RoHS Status
PM20-R68M	Bourns Inc.	680 nH	450	600	±20%	Ferrite	Molded	-55°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant
744764006	Würth Elektronik	680 nH	450	600	±10%	Ferrite	Drum Core, Wirewound	-40°C ~ 105°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
AISM-1210-R68M-T	Abracon LLC	680 nH	450	600	±20%	Ferrite	Molded	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
IMC1210EBR68M	Vishay Dale	680 nH	450	600	±20%	Iron Powder	Drum Core, Wirewound	-55°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
IMC1210ERR68M	Vishay Dale	680 nH	450	600	±20%	Iron Powder	Drum Core, Wirewound	-55°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
IMC1210ESR68M	Vishay Dale	680 nH	450	600	±20%	Iron Powder	Drum Core, Wirewound	-55°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
1210-681K	API Delevan Inc.	680 nH	588	600	±10%	Iron	-	-55°C ~ 125°C	Active	RoHS non-compliant
CM322522-R68ML	Bourns Inc.	680 nH	260	550	±20%	Ferrite	Drum Core, Wirewound	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
CM322522-R68KL	Bourns Inc.	680 nH	260	550	±10%	Ferrite	Drum Core, Wirewound	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Full Electrical & Mechanical Compatibility)

The following parts provide direct substitution with identical current ratings and DC resistance specifications:

744764006 (Würth Elektronik): Active product with ROHS3 compliance. Ferrite core construction with ±10% tolerance. Operating range -40°C to 105°C is narrower than original; verify thermal requirements for your application.
AISM-1210-R68M-T (Abracon LLC): Active product with ROHS3 compliance. Molded construction matches original design approach. Operating range -40°C to 85°C; confirm compatibility with system temperature extremes.
IMC1210EBR68M, IMC1210ERR68M, IMC1210ESR68M (Vishay Dale): All three variants are active with ROHS3 compliance. Iron Powder core material. Full temperature range -55°C to 125°C matches original. Packaging options include Bulk (EBR) and Tape & Reel (ERR, ESR).
1210-681K (API Delevan Inc.): Active product with higher current rating (588 mA). Iron core construction. Full temperature range -55°C to 125°C. RoHS non-compliant status matches original part.

Secondary Substitutes (Reduced Current Rating)

CM322522-R68ML, CM322522-R68KL (Bourns Inc.): Current rating limited to 260 mA, below the 450 mA requirement. Use only in applications where actual circuit current demand does not exceed 260 mA. Both are active with ROHS3 compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use CM322522-R68ML or CM322522-R68KL as direct replacements?

A: These parts share the same 680 nH inductance and 1210 package, but have a maximum current rating of 260 mA versus the PM20-R68M's 450 mA. They are suitable only if your circuit operates below 260 mA. Exceeding this rating will cause inductor saturation and performance degradation.

Q: What is the difference between the three Vishay Dale IMC-1210 variants (EBR, ERR, ESR)?

A: The variants differ only in packaging: EBR is Bulk, ERR is Tape & Reel standard, and ESR is Tape & Reel with special configuration. All three have identical electrical specifications and are functionally equivalent.

Q: Does core material affect substitution compatibility?

A: Core material (Ferrite, Iron, Iron Powder) affects frequency response, Q factor, and self-resonant frequency but does not prevent substitution when inductance, current rating, and DC resistance specifications are met. Verify Q factor and frequency characteristics if your circuit operates near the self-resonant frequency.

Q: Why is the operating temperature range different for some substitutes?

A: Different manufacturers design inductors for different thermal environments. The PM20-R68M operates -55°C to 125°C. Substitutes with narrower ranges (such as AISM-1210-R68M-T at -40°C to 85°C) are suitable only if your application stays within those limits.

Q: Are RoHS-compliant substitutes required?

A: RoHS compliance depends on your end-market and regulatory requirements. The original PM20-R68M is RoHS non-compliant. Active substitutes like 744764006, AISM-1210-R68M-T, and the Vishay Dale IMC-1210 series are ROHS3 compliant. Select based on your product's regulatory obligations.

Q: Can I mix different substitute parts in the same production batch?

A: Yes, provided all selected parts meet your circuit's electrical requirements (450 mA minimum current rating, 600mOhm maximum DCR, 680 nH inductance). However, core material differences may introduce minor variations in frequency response and Q factor. Verify performance consistency through testing if critical to your application.

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